Metropolitan Officer-Involved-Shooting in 77th Division NRF032-18cr

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**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved-Shooting (OIS) that occurred in a 77th Division neighborhood early Saturday evening.

On May 12, 2018, around 7:10 p.m., Metropolitan Division uniformed officers; Police Officer III Joshua Parker, Serial No. 38959, and his partner were conducting crime suppression in 77th Division. While driving on the 1400 block of 55th Street, they observed two male individuals standing in front of a location, whom they believed were involved in gang activity. Officer Parker and his partner attempted to make contact with those individuals, however one individual immediately ran while holding a gun in hand. The officers chased the individual (who was later identified as Kevin Palencia) which resulted in an Officer-Involved-Shooting. Officer Parker fired his police service weapon at Palencia. Palencia was not injured or struck by gunfire and was immediately taken into custody without any further incident.

Although Palencia’s handgun was not found, a loaded magazine was recovered at scene and booked as evidence. Fortunately, no officers or persons were injured as a result of this incident.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded and monitored the investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:

During business hours at (213) 486-5230; During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247); Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(800-222-8477) or by texting “LAPD” and your tip to phone number 274637(C-R-I-M-E-S); or Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.